Schizophrenia is a psychological disorder which is characterized by the inability to separate reality from non reality. Symptoms
may include delusions, hallucinations or disorganized thinking. Cognitive dysfunction is considered a core deficit of
schizophrenia. Khat (Catha edulis F.) is an evergreen tree that belongs to celestraceae family. It is claimed to have schizophrenic
like effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential schizophrenic inducing effect of acute administration of crude
khat extract in mice. Crude khat extract obtained using a mixture of chloroform and diethyl ether (1:3) was administered orally
in doses of 100, 200, 300 mg/kg, the negative and positive control groups were administered with Tween 80 2% v/v in water and
ketamine 10 mg/kg respectively. Multiple T-maze test was used to evaluate the cognitive function and the latency to reach the
goal box was determined. The results collectively indicate acute administration of khat extract at the doses used did not have a
significant cognitive effect in MTM test.

Biography

Zelalem Mekonnen Ayele has completed his MPH (Master of public health) from Gonder University. He is now working in MSF_H as Healthcare researcher and epidemiologist. He has published three research papers.